Eat, drink and be merry in Northeast Ohio

Warm up to idea of attending North Coast Harbor’s Ice Fest

I know, I know. The last thing you want to think about is ice — just as we’re kinda, sorta, maybe emerging from a cruelly long stretch of lung-burning-cold days.

Still, you might want to consider a ice-themed bit of fun as you enjoy a day off for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 15. At least the folks representing Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor district hope you will as they offer the fourth annual Ice Fest that day, from 10 a.m. to dusk along Lake Erie between the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Great Lakes Science Center.

A news release from North Coast Harbor promises live ice-carving demos, a meet-and-greet with the “Show Sisters,” complimentary face painting, LED light performers and more than 20 creations from “world-renowned icecarvers.” Also boasted are a chance to win round-trip airfare for two to Iceland, as well as the late-in-the-day lighting of the Fire & Ice Tower, whatever that is.

An ice-sculpture recreation of the NBA’s Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy is displayed at a past Ice Fest at Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor. (Courtesy of North Coast Harbor)

Be aware the face painting will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the meet and greets are at 10:30 a.m. and noon and the carving demos are planned at the top of the hour from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

And and pay attention, all you people who crave free stuff: Also in the plans is Ice Fest Scavenger Hunt — promising “a chance to win swag to keep you warm all winter long!”